15 research outputs found
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Environmental Standards, Management Systems and the Illusion of Progress
This paper aims to specify the conceptual and operational limits of codified environmental management systems (EMSs). Taking technical standardization as a departure-point, it is argued that key shortcomings regarding the contribution of EMSs towards environmental performance improvement (and thus ecological sustainability) can be identified: First, there are limitations to the self-regulatory framework adopted by organizations. Second, there are problems inherent within the development of EMS from prior management systems approaches, mostly based on a narrow and limited definition of quality. Third, there are errors of implementation and associated certification which compound a lack of progress in environmental improvement and progress towards sustainability. The implications of these limitations are presented and it is demonstrated that they are compounded by an appearance of progress, when in reality, little is changing. The authors point out that this failure of system based self-regulation argues for a move to performance based regime, driven if necessary by regulation
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Unlocking the potential of community composting: Full project report
Community based composting schemes can make valuable contributions to the development of local infrastructure and amenities by improving soils and green spaces in addition to diverting waste from landfill. Furthermore, well managed community activities have potential for providing work and volunteering opportunities, as well as bringing people together and improving skills, knowledge and self-confidence. Considered collectively these factors may contribute to local sustainability more effectively than focusing on meeting particular waste related targets. Although there is some anecdotal and financial evidence for the growth in, and diversity of, community composting, there is very little comprehensive data that draws together the activity of the sector as a whole. This research set out to understand and assess the current and potential role of the community composting sector in achieving Defra’s waste related targets and Government’s other wider environmental and social objectives. Thus this research is timely both in terms of establishing what has been achieved in the community composting sector to-date and in terms of possibilities for future achievements
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Changing recycling behaviour: an evaluation of attitudes and behaviour to recycling in the Western Riverside area of London
Key to improving recycling performance in the UK is the need to more effectively engage the public and improve levels of participation. The research described in this paper combines quantitative and qualitative analysis of attitudinal and behavioural changes as part of an evaluation project to measure the impact of a multi-faceted waste awareness and education campaign in the Western Riverside Waste Authority area of central London. Analysis links attitudinal and behavioural responses to infrastructure provision and performance indicators for each area surveyed, as well as socio-demographic indicators. This paper presents the results and analysis of the attitudes, motivations and behaviours of a representative profile of households from this area of central London, in an attempt to better understand how behavioural change can be achieved and recycling targets met
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What makes people recycle? An evaluation of attitudes and behaviour in London Western Riverside
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Recycling organic waste resources to land – communicating the issues
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Understanding diversity in community composting: it's all in the mix
The emergence and development of a coherent and defined community composting sector, as with the commercial composting sector, is relatively new. There is some anecdotal and funding support evidence for the growth in, and diversity of, community composting, but there is very little comprehensive data that draws together the activities of the sector as a whole. This paper starts to address that gap by presenting a summary from a national survey on the nature of the community composting sector and shows that it comprises groups and organisations involved in a diverse range of activities. It also presents findings from participatory workshops with community composting groups and their stakeholders exploring the extent to which projects contribute to individual and community change
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Engaging with people in your organisation
Organisations are now much more aware that capable and committed people are a critical source of competitive advantage. Although training per se still has its place, the focus now is on individual learning and supporting this in the workplace. The chapter covers the business context of training and learning for organisational success in environmental management. Committed individuals who really understand the organisation's objectives and have the skills and 'permission' to act with professional discretion create business advantage and how embedding learning in the organisation an integrated approach is needed, involving a range of internal stakeholders. In some ways, this unpacks and extends the brief 'Top management shall...' in clauses 4.2 & 4.6 of ISO 14001 and addresses the excellent advice in ISO 14063 on environmental communication
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Environment management report. Focus on Waste Management
This report uses examples and case studies to show how effective waste management benefits business. The report gives clear and practical advice on how to identify areas of waste and how to implement simple operational procedures to reduce and control it. The author guides the reader through the relevant legislation and provides the tools and techniques to unlock the benefits for your business, the wider economy and the environment
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Research on attitudes for policy development in organic resource management
Understanding attitudes to waste management, whether towards processing facilities, use of waste resources or to participating in recycling and waste minimisation activities, are playing an increasingly important role in UK waste management practice. This paper describes a research project, funded under the Defra Waste and Resources R&D Programme, to investigate attitudes to the use of organic resources on land amongst different stakeholder groups and opinion formers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The research will enhance understanding of the range of attitudes and perceptions towards the spreading of organic waste-derived materials on land and the results used to develop recommendations and provide evidence for informing policy and practice, as well as contribute to current debate. This paper briefly describes the process, intentions and iterative nature of the research and presents findings from the initial stage of the project, which focuses on views from the literature and scoping views of some key stakeholder groups